Pivoting Scaffold Connector Reduces Torque During Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scaffold systems face challenges in safely and efficiently constructing offset and suspended scaffold decks, particularly when the working platform needs to extend beyond ten feet, as current methods are arduous and dangerous due to the need for workers to handle heavy horizontal members at right angles to verticals, resulting in significant torque forces.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal scaffold truss member with pivotally coupled end connectors that allow vertical or horizontal pivoting, enabling the truss to be easily aligned and locked into place with vertical scaffold members, reducing torque forces and facilitating safer installation of offset and suspended platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If workers handle heavy horizontal members at right angles to vertical scaffold members, then the scaffold structure can be assembled, but significant torque forces are generated making the process arduous and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a pivoting latch member that can rotate between a retracted position (allowing easy insertion) and a locked position (providing secure connection). This dynamic element allows the connector to adapt during assembly, reducing the torque forces required to install the horizontal member while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting latch member acts as an intermediary between the horizontal and vertical scaffold members. During assembly, the latch is temporarily positioned to receive the horizontal member with minimal force, then rotates to engage and secure the connection, mediating the transition from easy insertion to secure locking without requiring excessive torque.
2Length of moving object
If offset and suspended scaffold decks are constructed using traditional methods, then the working platform can be extended beyond ten feet, but the construction process becomes arduous and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with the pivoting latch member in a retracted or accessible position before assembly begins. This preliminary positioning allows workers to easily insert the horizontal member into the vertical member without first having to apply significant torque, making the extended platform construction process safer and less arduous.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivoting latch mechanism allows the connector to transition from an open reception state during insertion to a locked secure state after insertion. This dynamic behavior enables safe and easy assembly of extended platforms while maintaining the structural integrity required for reliable construction beyond ten feet.
3Ease of operation
If a pivoting latch member is used to connect horizontal and vertical scaffold members, then torque forces are reduced and assembly becomes easier, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixed body portion that attaches to the vertical member, and a movable latch portion that pivots to secure the horizontal member. This segmentation allows the complex pivoting function to be isolated to a specific component, making the overall connector easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain while providing the torque-reducing benefits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The pivoting joint connector system allows for the stable and efficient construction of extended scaffold decks by reducing the need for workers to handle heavy horizontal members at right angles, enhancing safety and reducing installation difficulties, while maintaining structural rigidity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The latch member 3400 is pivotally mounted on the horizontal end connector 1000 and has a distal end 3401 that can be positioned beneath a cup 80 positioned on a vertical scaffold member 100 by pivoting the latch member 3400 about the pivot pin 1000.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention is a horizontal scaffold truss that has upper and lower horizontal scaffold members offset but fixedly joined with braces. Each upper and lower members have a connector positioned on each end of the respective lower and upper members, where at least one of the connectors is pivotally mounted on the respective lower or upper connector, and the connecters are engageable with an annular member positioned on a vertical scaffold member.